Knoxville started Thursday, March 5, 2026, in a gray mood, with patchy fog and mist hanging over the city, temperatures in the upper 40s, and visibility around five miles. That dreary start will not last long. Low clouds are expected to lift by mid-morning, setting up an unseasonably warm afternoon with highs near 78°F. Southwest winds will strengthen later in the day, with gusts up to 25 mph in more exposed spots.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest breezes this afternoon should run roughly 0–15 mph, with the punchiest gusts funneled through the valley and along ridgelines. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be ready for occasional crosswinds during the evening commute, and it is a smart time to secure any loose patio furniture or trash cans before they take a short trip down the block.
Record Temperatures On The Table
Daily record highs are in play Thursday and through much of next week as a persistent southerly flow drags in unusually mild air for early March. The National Weather Service Morristown lists early March records in the upper 70s to around 80°F and notes that forecast highs this week may push into that neighborhood. For details on specific records and forecast numbers, check NWS Morristown.
Weekend Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Friday brings only a slight chance of an isolated shower, so most of the day should stay dry. Saturday is the one to watch: showers and thunderstorms are likely after about 1 p.m., with the best coverage from Saturday afternoon into the night, roughly a 70–80% chance. A widespread severe outbreak is not expected locally, but any stronger storm could briefly cut visibility and slick up the roads, so build in extra time if you are driving or planning outdoor activities.
Plan For Commutes And Outdoor Plans
As of now there are no watches or warnings in effect for Knox County, although that can change quickly as the weekend system approaches. For background on the warm pattern setting the stage for all this, see our earlier coverage of Knoxville's early March heat.
Keep an eye on updated forecasts and local media before heading out, especially if you have outdoor events planned over the weekend. We will update readers if any watches or warnings are issued.
